Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 — 2021 Oct/Nov Paper 2 · Variant 2
0625/22/O/N/21 · 40 questions · 40 marks · ≈45 min
The question paper and its mark scheme, free to read here and free to download. This is Cambridge’s own paper, exactly as it was sat.
Question paper20 pages
Mark scheme3 pages
Answers below. Sit the paper first if you are practising.
Questions as text
Q1 · A student is taking some measurements
1 A student is taking some measurements. Which measurement is taken directly using a micrometer screw gauge? A 0.52 g / mm2 B 0.52 g / mm3 C 0.52 mm D 0.52 mm2
Mark scheme: C
More questions on Physical quantities and measurement techniques
Q2 · Which graph represents an object that is moving at constant speed?
2 Which graph represents an object that is moving at constant speed? A B distance distance 0 0 0 time 0 time C D distance distance 0 0 0 time 0 time
Mark scheme: D
Q3 · In which situation does object X have a greater mass than object Y?
3 In which situation does object X have a greater mass than object Y? A Object X is in a larger gravitational field than object Y and both have the same weight. B Object X shows a greater resistance to change in motion than object Y and both experience the same resultant force. C Object X has a lower density than object Y and both occupy the same volume. D Object X moves at a greater speed than object Y and both possess the same kinetic energy.
Mark scheme: B
Q4 · Which substance in the table has the lowest density?
4 Which substance in the table has the lowest density? substance mass / g volume / cm3 A nylon 1.2 1.0 B cotton 1.5 1.0 C olive oil 1.8 2.0 D water 2.0 2.0
Mark scheme: C
Q5 · Three simple machines are shown
5 Three simple machines are shown. 1 2 3 moving soil with cutting string screwing a screw a wheelbarrow with scissors with a screwdriver Which machines are an application of the moment of a force? A 1, 2 and 3 B 1 and 2 only C 1 and 3 only D 2 and 3 only
Mark scheme: A
Q6 · A spring, which obeys Hooke’s law, has an unstretched length of 10 cm
6 A spring, which obeys Hooke’s law, has an unstretched length of 10 cm. A load of 20 N is suspended from the spring. The new length of the spring is 36 cm. What is the spring constant k of the spring? A 0.56 N / cm B 0.77 N / cm C 1.3 N / cm D 1.8 N / cm
Mark scheme: B
Q7 · A rocket is launched upwards from the surface of the Moon
7 A rocket is launched upwards from the surface of the Moon. Hot gases are ejected downwards over a very short period of time. Which statement is not correct? A The rocket experiences a downward force. B The rocket experiences an upward force. C The total momentum of the hot gases is equal to the momentum of the rocket. D The total momentum of the hot gases and rocket when the hot gases have been ejected is zero.
Mark scheme: C
Q8 · Electrical energy may be obtained from nuclear fission
8 Electrical energy may be obtained from nuclear fission. In which order is the energy transferred in this process? A nuclear fuel generator reactor and boiler turbines B nuclear fuel generator turbines reactor and boiler C nuclear fuel reactor and boiler generator turbines D nuclear fuel reactor and boiler turbines generator
Mark scheme: D
Q9 · A box of mass m slides down a slope of length l against a frictional force F
9 A box of mass m slides down a slope of length l against a frictional force F. It descends a vertical height d. direction of motion F l mass m d stop As the box slides down the slope, it loses gravitational potential energy and it does work against the friction. Which row gives the loss in gravitational potential energy and the work done against friction? loss in gravitational work done potential energy against friction A mgd Fl B mgd Fd C mgl Fl D mgl Fd
Mark scheme: A
Q10 · A rope, connected to a pulley system and motor, is used to lift different objects through…
10 A rope, connected to a pulley system and motor, is used to lift different objects through different distances. The time taken to lift each object is the same. The diagrams are not to scale. Which motor requires the greatest power? A B platform platform motor motor 2 m 3 m 10 kg 5 kg C D platform platform motor motor 1 m 3 m 10 kg 2 kg
Mark scheme: A
Q11 · Which equation can be used to calculate the pressure at a depth h beneath the surface of…
11 Which equation can be used to calculate the pressure at a depth h beneath the surface of a liquid? p = h p = h 1 A B C p = hg D p = g g h g
Mark scheme: C
Q12 · A liquid is evaporating
12 A liquid is evaporating. The liquid is not boiling. Which statement about the liquid is correct at an instant in time? A Any molecule can escape, and from any part of the liquid. B Any molecule can escape, but only from the liquid’s surface. C Only molecules with enough energy can escape, and only from the liquid’s surface. D Only molecules with enough energy can escape, but from any part of the liquid.
Mark scheme: C
Q13 · A gas is contained in a sealed container in a laboratory
13 A gas is contained in a sealed container in a laboratory. The temperature of the gas increases. What happens to the average speed and what happens to the total kinetic energy of the gas molecules? average speed total kinetic energy A does not change does not change B does not change increases C increases does not change D increases increases
Mark scheme: D
Q14 · An aluminium block has a mass of 200 g
14 An aluminium block has a mass of 200 g. The specific heat capacity of aluminium is 900 J / (kg C). How much energy is needed to increase the temperature of the block from 20 C to 110 C? A 2.0 J B 2000 J C 16 200 J D 16 200 000 J
Mark scheme: C
Q15 · The diagram shows the apparatus used to measure the specific latent heat of vaporisation…
15 The diagram shows the apparatus used to measure the specific latent heat of vaporisation of water. 2 kW heater water After the water begins to boil, 110 g of water is converted to steam in 120 s. Using these results, what is the value of the specific latent heat of vaporisation of water? A 1.8 J / kg B 1800 J / kg C 2200 J / kg D 2 200 000 J / kg
Mark scheme: D
Q16 · The diagram shows a pan used for cooking food
16 The diagram shows a pan used for cooking food. handle of pan base of pan Which row is correct for the materials used to make the base and the handle of the pan? base of pan handle of pan A good thermal conductor good thermal conductor B good thermal conductor poor thermal conductor C poor thermal conductor good thermal conductor D poor thermal conductor poor thermal conductor
Mark scheme: B
Q17 · The diagram shows the pattern of water waves as they pass through a narrow gap
17 The diagram shows the pattern of water waves as they pass through a narrow gap. narrow gap between two barriers Which row names the process shown and describes the effect of using a wider gap? name of process wider gap A refraction waves spread out less B refraction waves spread out more C diffraction waves spread out less D diffraction waves spread out more
Mark scheme: C
Q18 · Which row is not correct for a wave on the surface of water?
18 Which row is not correct for a wave on the surface of water? quantity usual unit A amplitude m B frequency Hz C wavelength D speed m / s
Mark scheme: C
Q19 · The diagram shows how a ray of light refracts when going from air to Perspex
19 The diagram shows how a ray of light refracts when going from air to Perspex. x air w Perspex y z The critical angle of Perspex is c. Which expression is correct? sin x A = sin c sin z sin z B = sin c sin x sin w C = sin c sin y sin y D = sin c sin w
Mark scheme: B
Q20 · The diagram shows a ray of light in air incident on a glass block
20 The diagram shows a ray of light in air incident on a glass block. Some of the light is refracted and some of the light is reflected. Two angles, p and q, are marked on the diagram. ray of light q air p glass Which row gives the angle of incidence and states whether total internal reflection occurs? angle of total internal incidence reflection A p no B p yes C q no D q yes
Mark scheme: C
Q21 · The letter F is reflected in a mirror
21 The letter F is reflected in a mirror. mirror What does the optical image look like? A B C D
Mark scheme: B
Q22 · The Sun emits infrared radiation and light
22 The Sun emits infrared radiation and light. Light from the Sun reaches the Earth in 8 minutes. Which row gives correct information about the infrared radiation? wavelength of time taken for infrared infrared radiation radiation to reach the Earth A longer than wavelength of light 8 minutes B longer than wavelength of light much less than 8 minutes C shorter than wavelength of light 8 minutes D shorter than wavelength of light much more than 8 minutes
Mark scheme: A
Q23 · Which statement about electromagnetic waves is not correct?
23 Which statement about electromagnetic waves is not correct? A They travel at 3 108 m / s in a vacuum. B They transfer energy. C They travel at 340 m / s in air. D They are transverse waves.
Mark scheme: C
Question 24
24 What is ultrasound? A sound waves that are so loud that they damage human hearing B sound waves that are too high-pitched for humans to hear C sound waves that are too low-pitched for humans to hear D sound waves that are too quiet for humans to hear
Mark scheme: B
Q25 · Which diagram shows the electric field pattern between two oppositely charged parallel…
25 Which diagram shows the electric field pattern between two oppositely charged parallel metal plates? A B C D + – + – + – + –
Mark scheme: A
Q26 · Which circuit symbol represents a component used to measure electric current?
26 Which circuit symbol represents a component used to measure electric current? A B C D A G V
Mark scheme: A
Q27 · The graph shows the current–voltage characteristic for a conductor
27 The graph shows the current–voltage characteristic for a conductor. current R Q P 0 0 voltage Where on the graph can Ohm’s law be applied to the conductor? A at Q only B between P and Q C between P and R D between Q and R
Mark scheme: B
Q28 · The diagram shows a circuit containing two resistors of resistance 1.0 and 2.0
28 The diagram shows a circuit containing two resistors of resistance 1.0 and 2.0 . A voltmeter is connected across the 1.0 resistor by connecting P to X. The reading on the voltmeter is 6.0 V. 1.0 Ω X 2.0 Ω Y P V P is moved to point Y in the circuit. What is the new reading on the voltmeter? A 3.0 V B 6.0 V C 12 V D 18 V
Mark scheme: D
Q29 · There is a current I in a resistor
29 There is a current I in a resistor. The potential difference (p.d.) across the resistor is V. Which other physical quantity is needed to be able to determine the energy transferred W by the resistor? A the electromotive force (e.m.f.) E of the source B the power P dissipated C the resistance R of the resistor D the time t for which there is a current in the resistor
Mark scheme: D
Q30 · The diagrams show pairs of circuits containing logic gates
30 The diagrams show pairs of circuits containing logic gates. In which diagram does the lower circuit of the pair behave differently from the upper circuit? A B C D
Mark scheme: D
Q31 · Several cells are connected in series, as shown
31 Several cells are connected in series, as shown. What is the combined electromotive force (e.m.f.) of the cells? A the average of the e.m.f.s of the separate cells B the e.m.f. of one of the cells C the product of the e.m.f.s of the cells D the sum of the e.m.f.s of the cells
Mark scheme: D
Q32 · Two resistors, with resistances R1 and R2, are connected in parallel
32 Two resistors, with resistances R1 and R2, are connected in parallel. The resistance R1 is greater than the resistance R2. R1 R2 What is the resistance of the parallel combination? A less than either R1 or R2 B equal to R1 C equal to R2 D the average of R1 and R2
Mark scheme: A
Q33 · The diagram shows a motor connected to an a.c
33 The diagram shows a motor connected to an a.c. supply. The circuit is incomplete. X Y M Which device needs to be connected between point X and point Y to prevent the wires from overheating if a fault in the motor causes the current to get too high? A an ammeter B a fuse C a transformer D a length of thick copper wire
Mark scheme: B
Q34 · The diagram shows a wire between two magnets
34 The diagram shows a wire between two magnets. An electromotive force (e.m.f.) is induced in the wire when it is moved up between the two magnets. N S Four tests are done. 1 The direction of movement of the wire is reversed. 2 The direction of the magnetic field is reversed. 3 The wire is moved more quickly. 4 The magnetic field strength is decreased. Which tests will induce a smaller e.m.f. in the wire? A 1 and 2 B 1 and 3 C 3 and 4 D 4 only
Mark scheme: D
Q35 · Four positions of a current-carrying coil in a magnetic field, as in a d.c
35 Four positions of a current-carrying coil in a magnetic field, as in a d.c. motor, are shown. In diagrams 2 and 4, the coil is at an angle of 45 to the field lines. 1 2 3 4 N S N S N S N S coil Which row is correct? turning effect of the forces turning effect of the forces in positions 1 and 3 in positions 2 and 4 A different different B different same C same different D same same
Mark scheme: B
Q36 · The diagram shows the magnetic field due to a current in a solenoid
36 The diagram shows the magnetic field due to a current in a solenoid. direction of current The direction of the current is reversed. Which row describes the effect that this has on the magnitude and on the direction of the magnetic field? magnitude of direction of magnetic field magnetic field A increases changes B increases unchanged C unchanged changes D unchanged unchanged
Mark scheme: C
Q37 · The nucleus of an americium atom contains 146 neutrons and 95 protons
37 The nucleus of an americium atom contains 146 neutrons and 95 protons. It decays by emitting an -particle. How many neutrons and how many protons remain in the nucleus when this form of americium decays? number of neutrons number of protons remaining remaining A 142 93 B 142 95 C 144 93 D 144 95
Mark scheme: C
Q38 · A sample of americium decays and changes into neptunium
38 A sample of americium decays and changes into neptunium. The half-life of americium is 432 years. Which fraction of the americium will remain after 1728 years? 1 1 1 A 0 B 16 C 8 D 4
Mark scheme: B
Q39 · The graph shows the decay curves of four different radioactive isotopes
39 The graph shows the decay curves of four different radioactive isotopes. Which isotope has the largest half-life? A count rate B C D 0 0 time
Mark scheme: A
Q40 · The diagrams show a-particles and B-particles passing through an electric field
40 The diagrams show a-particles and B-particles passing through an electric field. Which diagram shows the correct paths of the a-particles and B-particles?
Mark scheme: B
What was in this paper
The subtopics covered by these 40 questions, and how many questions each got. Open one in a new tab to see every Cambridge question on it.
4Electrical quantities3Electromagnetic effects3Energy, work and power3Light3Radioactivity3Electromagnetic spectrum2Forces2General properties of waves2Kinetic particle model of matter2Thermal properties and temperature2Density1Electrical safety1Mass and weight1Momentum1Motion1Physical quantities and measurement techniques1Pressure1Simple phenomena of magnetism1Sound1The nuclear model of the atom1Transfer of thermal energy1What you needed in this session
Cambridge’s own grade thresholds for 2021 Oct/Nov, Paper 2 · Variant 2. A higher threshold means an easier paper — the bar moves with how the cohort did.